Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may be a combination of emotional, physical, and psychological disturbances that occur after a woman's ovulation, typically ending with the onset of her menorrhea. the foremost common mood-related symptoms are irritability, depression, crying, oversensitivity, and mood swings. the foremost common physical symptoms are fatigue, bloating, breast tenderness (mastalgia), acne flare-ups, and appetite changes with food cravings. A more severe sort of PMS, referred to as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), also referred to as late secretory phase dysphoric disorder, occurs during a smaller number of girls and results in significant loss of function due to unusually severe symptoms. The American Psychiatric Association characterizes PMDD as a severe sort of PMS during which anger, irritability, and anxiety or tension are especially prominent.
What are the signs and symptoms of PMS?
A great sort of symptoms is attributed to PMS. Women can have PMS of varying duration and severity from cycle to cycle. the foremost frequent mood-related symptoms of PMS include;
- Anger and irritability
- Anxiety
- Tension
- Depression
- crying
- Oversensitivity
- Exaggerated mood swings.
Physical signs and symptoms of PMS include:
- Fatigue, bloating (due to fluid retention),
- Weight gain,
- Breast tenderness,
- Acne,
- Sleep disturbances with sleeping an excessive amount of or insufficient (insomnia),
- Appetite changes with overeating or food cravings.
What causes PMS?
PMS remains an enigma due to the wide-ranging symptoms and therefore the difficulty in making a firm diagnosis. Several theories are advanced to elucidate the explanation for PMS. None of those theories are proven, and specific treatment for PMS still largely lacks a solid scientific basis. Most evidence suggests that PMS results from the alterations in or interactions between the number of sex hormones and brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. PMS doesn't appear to be specifically related to any personality factors or specific personality types. Likewise, a variety of studies have shown that psychological stress isn't associated with the severity of PMS.
How long do PMS symptoms and signs last?
The duration of PMS varies among women. most girls experience the symptoms for a couple of to many days within the week before the onset of their menstrual period. Some women may have symptoms for a shorter or longer period of time, but symptoms of PMS typically start after ovulation (the mid-point within the monthly menstrual cycle).
What tests diagnose PMS?
The most helpful diagnostic tool is that the menstrual diary, which documents physical and emotional symptoms over months. If the changes occur consistently around ovulation (mid-menstrual cycle) and persist until the menorrhea begins, then PMS is perhaps the accurate diagnosis. Keeping a menstrual diary not only helps the healthcare professional to form the diagnosis but also promotes a far better understanding by the tolerant her own body and moods. Once the diagnosis of PMS is formed and understood, the patient can better deal with the symptoms. The diagnosis of PMS is often difficult because many medical and psychological conditions can mimic or worsen symptoms of PMS. There are not any blood or laboratory tests to work out if a lady has PMS. When laboratory tests are performed, they're wont to exclude other conditions which will mimic PMS.
What are the treatments for PMS?
The treatment of PMS can sometimes be as challenging as making the diagnosis of PMS. Various treatment approaches are wont to treat this condition. Some measures lack a solid scientific basis but seem to assist some women. Other treatments with a sound scientific basis might not help all patients
General management includes a healthy lifestyle including::
Exercise
Emotional support during the premenstrual period
Salt restriction before the menstrual period
Decreased caffeine intake before menstruation
Smoking cessation
Limitation of alcohol intake
Reduction of sugar intake
All of the above are recommended and should help symptoms in some women. Furthermore, some studies suggest that calcium and magnesium supplements may provide some benefits.
